Friends of Mauritania By-Laws

as revised by the general membership January 23, 1999

Article I

Name: The name of the organization shall be the Friends of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (FORIM).

Article II

Objective: The objective of FORIM is to facilitate contact between, and serve as a resource to, anyone having an interest in Mauritania. As an organization FORIM will focus on the following activities:

• serving as a network and resource of contact information for those in and outside of Mauritania;
• sharing firsthand knowledge about the people and attributes of Mauritania to others in the US and around the world;
• producing a newsletter with current information on Mauritania, cultural activities, updates on people who have spent time in Mauritania and other events/activities of interest to FORIM members;
• providing material and technical support to development projects in Mauritania;
• gathering with other "Friends" to enjoy social events or holidays.

Article III

Members: FORIM is an inclusive, non-political organization. Any person who has an interest in Mauritania and who has paid the membership fee shall be a general member of FORIM.

The annual membership fee shall be determined by a majority vote of the general membership at the annual meeting to be held in January of each calendar year.

Article IV

Officers: All dues-paying members are eligible to hold office. The following officers shall be elected at the group's annual meeting:

• President: This person shall preside at monthly and annual meetings, develop the meeting agenda, and be responsible for the overall organization of the group. On an as needed basis, the President shall designate a "Special Activities Coordinator" to oversee any special activities or project determined by the general membership.
• Vice President: This person shall assist the President with his/her duties and carry out the duties of the President should s/he not be able to fulfill the aforementioned duties for period of time.
• Treasurer: This person shall manage the group's bank account, deposit checks, pay bills and report those transactions to the general membership.
• Secretary: This person shall serve as custodian of the group's paperwork. S/he shall retain copies of FORIM bylaws, membership lists and other documents that pertain to the group. The secretary shall keep written records of all meetings and decisions made by the group.
• Newsletter Editor: This person is responsible for the production and distribution of FORIM's newsletter, La Perle. However, for each edition, one FORIM member will be assigned to assist the Newsletter Editor with the various tasks involved.

On an as needed basis, the membership may create additional officer positions to oversee or fulfill any special activities or projects determined by the general membership.

Article V

Meetings: Regular meetings of the general membership will be held to carry out the business of the organization. The meeting date, place and time will be held as agreed upon by the members present at the previous meeting, or as determined by the officers conducting the meeting. An annual meeting will be held in January of each year for the purpose of electing officers and voting on possible amendments to the group's bylaws. Special meetings may be called by the president if necessary to carry out the goals of the organization.

Article VI

Committees: FORIM will, from time to time, form committees to carry out the goals of the organization.

Article VII

Parliamentary Authority: Robert's Rules of Order shall be the organization's parliamentary authority.

Article VIII

Amendment of Bylaws: These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by a vote of the membership. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present shall be required to amend these bylaws.